FIFA red card review: Trump says he sought Balogun ban reassessment before Belgium match

President Donald Trump says he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card from the United States win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. FIFA later lifted the mandatory one-match ban, allowing Balogun to face Belgium. The Belgian football federation is contesting his eligibility, drawing criticism from UEFA.

Donald Trump said FIFA agreed to review Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. Trump said the request did not include any demand. The red card came in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. FIFA later lifted Balogun’s automatic one-game ban. That decision let Balogun play Belgium in Monday’s round of 16.

The FIFA ruling sparked mixed reactions across football. Many in the United States welcomed the change. Some international voices criticised it as political pressure. The Belgian football federation challenged Balogun’s eligibility for Monday’s match. UEFA also attacked the move and called it unfair. The dispute added tension before the game in Seattle.

Trump and FIFA review of Balogun red card

Trump confirmed calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the incident. Trump described the referee’s decision as wrong. Trump said, "All I did was ask for a review,\" during an Oval Office event. Trump added, \"I didnt say, You have to do this.\" Trump said FIFA made the final decision on the ban.

Trump criticised the red card as a \"horrible call.\" Trump argued the challenge looked worse due to slow-motion video. Trump said the clash was not a foul. Trump said, \"I didnt think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.\" Trump said the team needed its best players.

Trump also said the incident changed after learning what a red card meant. Trump said the suspension risked hurting the United States in a key match. Trump said Belgium was strong and deserved its best squad too. Trump said, \"Belgium has got a great team,\" and argued fairness required full teams. Trump said he understood sports well.

Infantino statement on FIFA review and independence

Infantino later released a statement describing the call with Trump. Infantino defended the process and said the disciplinary system acted independently. Infantino wrote, \"During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFAs independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies,\" on X.

Infantino also wrote, \"That is how FIFAs system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.\" Trump spoke about other issues at the Oval Office event. Trump tried to move reporters away from football questions. Trump said, \"They dont want to know anything about soccer slash football,\" and added, \"Fortunately, they wont be asking any questions on that.\"

Trump then said, \"Nobody cares about that, right?\" Republican Sen. Ted Cruz also spoke at the event. Cruz praised the reversal of the sanction. Cruz said, \"On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card,\" and added, \"It was spectacular.\" Trump replied that the decision remained FIFA’s choice.

Belgium reaction to FIFA review and eligibility challenge

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticised the ruling on Sunday. Garcia said it felt like an April Fools Day joke. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino supported FIFA’s step. Pochettino said the team suffered enough after losing Balogun for the rest of last week’s match. Belgium’s federation still challenged Balogun’s eligibility for Monday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also backed the reversal on Monday. Rubio questioned the value of a win without the opponent’s key scorer. Rubio asked why Belgium would want that situation. Rubio said people would claim the result was not real. Rubio joked it was turning into an international incident before a NATO summit in Turkey.

How the red card happened and why video review mattered

Balogun’s red card came after contact with Tarik Muharemovic. The tackle involved Balogun’s cleated foot on Muharemovic’s ankle. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not show a card at first. A slow-motion review later produced a red card. Balogun said a yellow card would have been fair.

Inside the Trump administration, officials questioned the replay process. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and task force leader Andrew Giuliani were involved. Other officials also discussed the call during travel. A senior U.S. official said the group believed slow-motion replay was improper. The official said the group asked if the red card should be removed.

The next day, Trump officials reviewed rules and sought legal advice. They also spoke with U.S. Soccer, the official said. Trump later described making a case to Infantino. Trump insisted, \"I didnt tell him what to do, I cant tell him what to do.\" FIFA’s lifted ban left the match plans unchanged for the United States.

With inputs from PTI